God is not one to show partiality

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

Of the readings in the Revised Common Lectionary for 12 January 2014 (First Sunday after Epiphany), I chose to reflect on Acts 10:34-43.

God is not one to show partiality Acts 10:34b

The readings for today and tomorrow from Acts 10 present succinctly the message of Christ as a Universal savior accessible to all who do what is right.  As is said in verse 35: "In every nation the man who reverences Him and does what is right is welcome to Him."  The message that Peter preaches here is not a creedal message.  Rather it is a call to Universal salvation followed by a succinct description of the ministry of Jesus that encompasses practically every viewpoint ever held by those who have reverenced Him.  There are no special rites or particular church that one must belong to, but rather as Peter says in verse 43 "everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins".

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

So wouldn't this render baptism unnecessary if one does not have to belong to a church, but simply believe?  Also, I don't know if I would consider this passage Universalist because it still requires that something be done by the person being forgiven - that is, having faith.

[DC Al Fine]

Also, I don't know if I would consider this passage Universalist because it still requires that something be done by the person being forgiven - that is, having faith.

Precisely. Some people don't do right in the sight of God. As you said faith is still doing something... unless God has called us to faith

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

So wouldn't this render baptism unnecessary if one does not have to belong to a church, but simply believe?

Stay tuned for my reflection on Monday's reading.

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A full fledged Universalist would say that it matters not when one obtains that faith.  For example, there is no reason that the doubting Andrews who require a testable demonstration could not be given one in the afterlife they currently do not believe in.

Still, I'm not quite a full fledged Universalist.  One of those believes all will be saved.  I believe all will be offered salvation in a manner that it is possible for them to comprehend and accept.